Jimson Weed

Also known as Thorn Apple, Loco Weed, or Devil’s Weed

Datura stramonium

Jimson Weed is an annual with a stout green or purple hollow stem, which grows to a height of about three or four feet. The single leaves are coarsely toothed and are about three to eight inches long. Erect, trumpet-shaped white or pale purple flowers emerge at the forks of the stems. The seed pods are spiny capsules, about two inches in diameter, filled with numerous small, kidney-shaped, hard brownish-black seeds. Both fresh and dried leaves and seeds are sometimes deliberately ingested for their deliriant action. All parts of the plant result in poisoning if eaten and large amounts are fatal if not quickly treated. Symptoms are abnormal thirst, distorted sight, weakness, dizziness, staggering, irrational behaviour, delerium, incoherence, dilated eye pupils, and coma. Convulsions and circulatory collapse may precede death.